Gaúcho riding on horseback heading out into open country.

The Gaúcho DNA: Rio Grande do Sul’s Proud Heritage!

In the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, September is quite an important month. Not only is it the month where on the 7th day, Brazil as a nation celebrates its Day of Independence, but in the Gaúcho region of the South, September is a time to showcase cultural identity and remember a simpler …

Lisbon’s Lousy Lifts: Horrible Metro Accessibility

It may seem rather strange to write a new travel blog entry discussing the elevators of an underground metro system, but a year on from my three-night stopover in Lisbon and shoddy lifts remain my prevailing memory. (Pictures at the end of the post). It began with a passing comment, as I neared the top …

View of beach and mountains in background, in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, South America

A South American Adventure Begins

It recently occurred to me that I haven’t ventured further than mainland Europe in over five years. A fact which I found somewhat alarming. This is hardly the form of a man who has previously boasted about wanting to visit every country in the world.  It goes without saying that the pandemic hasn’t helped matters, …

Camping in Scotland: Accessible pitches; Loch Earn

Camping in Scotland: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

The UK is starting to slowly open up again and although the prospect of foreign travel remains a little daunting and confusing under current restrictions, I’m emboldened by the thought of being able to hit the road and explore a little more of Britain at least. It’s my birthday this weekend and so we’ve decided …

Disability Hate Speech: Online Trolls & A Need For Education On Disability

I have repeated on a number of occasions that, for me, the disabled community is one of the last minorities to truly have its moment in the public consensus spotlight. I often sit at home and read article after article, detailing the fantastic strides being taken to try and eradicate sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, and …

Halloween fright night: Spinal Surgery Anniversary.

October 31st 2001 – Halloween. I look to my right as I’m being wheeled down to theatre on a hospital gurney. People are busying themselves putting up spooky decorations ahead of a fancy-dress party later that evening. There’s a sort of calm before the storm. I, on the other hand, was anything but calm. Kicking …

48hrs in Inverness: An Itinerary

Inverness: a cathedral city like no other, steeped in Gaelic history and revered by all those that visit.  If the walls of the Highland’s capital could speak, they’d tell tales of political uprising, bloody battles, and even stories of the odd prehistoric burial ground.  There’s much to see and do in Inverness, and within this …

Accessible Brussels: Top 10 Things To See And Do

Ah, Brussels. One of the finest cities in Europe, nay, the world. Famous for its Flemish art, delicious waffles, and one rather popular statue of a little boy urinating. But what does the Belgian capital have to offer when it comes to accessible Brussels? This post seeks to unlock some of the cities most accessible …